Lagos begins installation of 22,000 solar streetlights

File photo: Solar panel

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The Lagos State Government says it has commenced the installation of more than 22,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state under its Light Up Lagos Solar Streetlight Initiative.

The project is being implemented by the Lagos State Electrification Agency and supervised by the state’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

This is according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, LSEA, Ololade Agboola, and made available to our correspondent on Sunday.

The agency said the project formed part of the government’s efforts to improve night-time visibility, safety, and energy sustainability.

It noted that the initiative followed decades of reliance on grid electricity and diesel-powered generators for public lighting — a system it said had become expensive, unreliable, and environmentally harmful.

According to the General Manager of LSEA, Kamaldeen Balogun, the shift to solar lighting aligned with the state’s broader environmental and energy-efficiency goals.

“This project reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and safer Lagos,” Balogun said. “By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and maximising solar energy, we are lighting up the city while preserving the environment for future generations.”

The agency noted that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, led by the Commissioner, Biodun Ogunleye, is providing policy oversight to ensure the project fits into the state’s long-term renewable energy plans.

“The success of the Light Up Lagos project is a reflection of our collective commitment to sustainability,” Ogunleye was quoted as saying. “This is not just about lighting our roads; it is about powering progress, improving safety, and promoting a cleaner environment for the people of Lagos.”

The LSEA noted that several major corridors had already been fully illuminated. These include Governor’s Road at Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Mobolaji Johnson Way, Herbert Macaulay Way in Yaba, Bode Thomas Road in Surulere, Muritala Muhammed Way, Ebute-Metta, Jibowu, Market Street Oyingbo, Iddo, Eko Bridge, Marina Bridge, Governor’s Road in Ikotun, and the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge.

It says installations are also ongoing on Ikorodu Road from Anthony to Fadeyi, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, the Ikeja Bridge, Western Avenue, the Gbagada–Oshodi Expressway, Alapere/Ogudu, Agric–Ikorodu, and additional sections of Ikorodu Road, adding that work is also scheduled along the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

Balogun said the rollout was being done in phases to ensure coverage across all communities.

“Every light installed represents progress and safety for our people. We are working systematically to ensure that no community is left in darkness,” he said.

The agency added that the installations were designed and executed solely by the staff of the LSEA, noting that the approach allows for better quality control and ensures that maintenance can be handled in-house.

Sanwo-Olu had said in November that in one year, the majority of the streetlights in Lagos would be powered by solar.

Represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, at the NAPE 2024 Conference, Sanwo-Olu said that 22,000 of such streetlights had been committed already.

“I can disclose that within the next year, most of our streetlights in Lagos will be powered by solar. We have committed to about 22,000 already. We are going to see solar streetlights that can work even when there’s no clear cloud for two to three days, which shows some of our commitments,“ he said.

Gbenga has been covering Metro, politics and education beats for two years as a print and digital journalist

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